Vintage Native American Hopi Made Tufa Cast Necklace

Description

1970s Native American Hopi Made Tufa Cast Pendant on Handmade Chain by Morris Robinson (dec.)

This is a wonderful and completely unique piece by Morris Robinson. The shape of the figure and the handcrafted chain combine to make a one-of-a-kind piece.

Morris Robinson was one of the great forerunners of Charles Loloma. According to the 1923 U. S. Indian Census, Morris was already living and working in Phoenix, AZ. In 1924, he was living with Hopi jeweler Grant Jenkins. They made jewelry for Graves and Vaughn’s Indian Store in Phoenix. During the next four decades, Morris became a master goldsmith and silversmith. His creative and innovative designs distinguished him among his other peers: Ralph Tawangyawma, Harold Jenkins, Frank Nutima, Allen Pooyouma, and Pierce Kewanwytewa. They influenced the next generation of contemporary Hopi jewelers, including Preston Monongye and Charles Loloma. (Adobe Gallery, Santa Fe)